Safety Matters Monthly Newsletter of the FFMIA and FAFLSE

There are two things that Ian Lennon cannot hide: his scars and his outstanding attitude toward life.

Lennon's story includes tragedy and triumph. But he dwells upon his personal victory over adversity and his healing. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) is part of both.

Imagine fueling your apparatus one moment and suddenly being engulfed in a fireball. You're in your early 20s, and you're not sure how the explosion happened, but you spend the next year recovering from third-degree burns, trying to regain your independence. You will never look the same, and you will never look at life the same either. That's what happened to Lennon six years ago when he was stationed in Kuwait with the Marine Corps as part of a transportation support battalion.

Lennon became affiliated with JFRD through a national movement known as the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. empowers severely wounded service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

WWP's TRACK program offers education, advocacy and job training. Eleven soldiers, including Lennon, are enrolled in the vocational portion of TRACK at various businesses throughout town.

"Getting real world experience in the marketplace allows for a true frame of reference when the warriors make the transition from the program into either the academic or vocational arenas. Giving the warriors tools to succeed in whatever endeavor they choose is what the program is about," said WWP TRACK Director Jeff Searcy.

Last month, Lennon began his six-month internship with JFRD's Plans Review and Inspections section. Enrolled at FCCJ, the 29-year-old from Long Island, NY wants to earn his fire science degree so he can be a fire inspector in the near future.

"I'm still trying to get the hang of it," Lennon said after poring over the fine details of a schematic for a huge industrial building. "What I like is that I'm helping people to be safe."

JFRD's Capt. Bob Ratliff, who works in the Prevention Division, was explaining to Lennon the specifics of how the building design must comply with fire codes.

"He's doing fantastic," Ratliff said. "Ian's got a great attitude. What he's gone through is remarkable. I'm not sure I'd be that positive."

Whether it's plans review, commercial building inspection or attending various meetings, Lennon is enthusiastic from start to finish, Ratliff said. He also works well with the other members in the office: Dwayne Ayers, Rey Escanio, Jim Groff and Thomas Staples.

Lennon has some volunteer firefighting experience from his days in New York. He also installed commercial fire suppression systems at gas stations before his service in the Marines. While Ian has suffered a tremendous setback, he credits the Wounded Warrior Project with getting him back on his feet and back on his career track.

"It's my support group," he said. "If it wasn't for them getting me out of the hospital bed, I'd probably still be in that bed feeling sorry for myself."

PHOTO: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's Capt. Bob Ratliff trains Ian Lennon on the details of plans review. The entire plans review team is working with Lennon who is part of the Wounded Warrior Project, a national advocacy program headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla.